Dental Checkup Alexandria, VA
A regular dental checkup can help keep your teeth and gums healthy. It is a good idea to have a dental checkup at least every six months. If recommended by a dentist, it may be necessary to go even more frequently. A dental checkup typically includes an oral exam and a cleaning.
During a dental checkup, a dental professional will evaluate your oral health and look for any signs of dental problems. Having regular dental checkups can help the dentist identify any issues before they become more serious.
Dental checkups are available at Alexandria Old Town Dental in Alexandria and the surrounding area. Contact us at (703) 763-1078 to schedule an appointment.
Video Question: Tom asks "How often should I visit the dentist for a check-up?"
Summary: Wondering how often you should seek a regular dental checkup? At least once every six months. In our video above, we go over the importance of regular dental checkups and other proper oral health factors you need to know.
Dental Cleaning
During the dental cleaning, the dental professional will remove the plaque — a buildup of bacteria that deposits onto the teeth. To do this, the dental professional will scrape the teeth above and below the gum line with special tools. The teeth may be rinsed periodically during this process. Then, the dental professional will floss between the teeth. If the patient does not floss regularly, they may find this to be a little uncomfortable; but if they include flossing as part of their daily oral care practice, this discomfort will go away over time.
At the end of the dental cleaning, the dental professional will polish the teeth. This polishing helps protect the teeth against the buildup of plaque so they stay shiny and smoother longer. The polish is applied with a spinning brush and a paste. This paste resembles toothpaste but is slightly coarse so it can better eliminate any residue that might have been missed. When the dental professional is done cleaning the teeth, the patient may be asked to rinse and gargle with mouthwash.
“During the dental cleaning, the dental professional will remove the plaque — a buildup of bacteria that deposits onto the teeth.”
What Happens at a Dental Checkup
At a dental checkup, a dental professional will check the mouth for problems, such as cracked teeth, bleeding or receding gums, and tooth decay. The dental professional may also take X-rays. Adults usually need X-rays only once a year. However, children may need X-rays more frequently to make sure new teeth are growing properly.
The dental professional will examine the gums for signs of gum disease. This examination may involve a special tool that measures the spaces between the teeth and gums. Spaces between the teeth and gums should be tight. Deep pockets are sometimes a symptom of gum disease.
The next step is to check the teeth for plaque and tartar buildup. Plaque is a sticky substance composed of bacteria, saliva, and food that collects on the teeth. It is possible to remove plaque with regular brushing and flossing; however, the longer the plaque remains on the teeth, the greater chance it has of hardening into a substance called tartar. Tartar can build up between teeth, forcing them apart and creating pockets around the gums. Once tartar builds up, it is only removable by a dental professional.
A dental checkup may also include examining the tongue, cheeks, and other soft tissue in the mouth to check for sores and signs of oral cancer. Dental checkups are often combined with a dental cleaning, during which the dental professional polishes and removes tartar from teeth.
“At a dental checkup, a dental professional will check the mouth for problems, such as cracked teeth, bleeding or receding gums, and tooth decay.”
Dental X-rays
New patients and those who have not had them done in a while will be asked to have dental X-rays taken of their mouth at their dental checkup. These X-rays are important because they allow dentists to check the roots beneath the gum line, which are otherwise inaccessible. For the X-rays, the patient will bite down on a piece of plastic that is placed between their teeth. A machine will be placed near their cheek to take the image. Their dentist will then review the image to check for any dental concerns.
“These X-rays are important for your dental team to be able to check the roots beneath your gum line, which could otherwise not be seen during a routine checkup.”
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The Importance of Regular Dental Care
Our dental team recommends that all patients return to the office for dental checkups at least once every six months. By scheduling regular appointments and cleanings, our dental team will be able to monitor the smile for any signs of concern. Waiting too long between checkups gives more time for plaque to build up, which may lead to cavities, tooth decay, receding gums, and more. Patients will also be taught what they can do to prevent these issues during checkups.
Keeping oral health on track starts at home. To prevent oral health issues between dental checkups, our dental team may make several recommendations for at-home oral care. These oral hygiene techniques may include:
- Brushing the teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing daily
- Using a mouthwash
- Avoid smoking or other activities detrimental to oral health
“To prevent oral health issues between dental checkups, our dental team may make several recommendations for at-home oral care.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is involved in the dental cleaning portion of a checkup?
Q. How often should someone have a dental checkup?
Q. What happens at a dental checkup?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is it OK to go to the dentist once a year?
A. Even if you take excellent care of your teeth at home, you could have dental issues that you cannot see yourself, such as cracked teeth or tooth decay in hard-to-reach areas. Therefore, even if you are healthy, it is still a good idea to schedule a dental checkup and cleaning twice a year. If you have dental insurance, these visits are likely covered with no out-of-pocket cost to you.
Q. I do not have any symptoms. Do I still need to see a dentist?
A. You should still see a dentist for a checkup twice a year, even if you are not experiencing any dental symptoms. Removing plaque and tartar from your teeth is important for preventing tooth decay, which can lead to larger dental problems.
Q. Do I really need to floss every day?
A. Yes. Flossing can remove bacteria and plaque from places that your toothbrush cannot reach. Get in the habit of flossing every day. It only takes a couple of minutes!.
Q. Is it safe to go to the dentist when I'm pregnant?
A. Yes, it is safe to see a dentist when you are pregnant. Just be sure to tell the dentist that you are pregnant. Pregnant women should not be exposed to X-ray radiation.
Q. Why are dental X-rays necessary?
A. There are many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues that can only be seen with a dental X-ray. These include infections in the bone, gum disease, small areas of decay between the teeth or below fillings, and more.
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Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
Following through with dental checkups is how patients can ensure that their smile stays healthy and free of decay or disease. Our dental team is here to help. To schedule a dental checkup or for help with your dental questions, please call our team at 703-763-1078.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business and website security
- Alexandria Old Town Dental was established in 1973.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Arlington County and Fairfax County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Alexandria
- National Provider Identifier Database (1700449725). View NPI Registry Information
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